The Challenges of A "Nu" Format

The challenges of preparing a release in the new iTunes "LP" were extensive. For one reason we had no real comparisons to go by, nothing to guide us. We were solely limited by the scope of our own imaginations and what we could conceive. To do the computer script I choose Mike Brown, and his team at Cyber-NY. (www.cyber-NY.com)

Mike Briwn was a specialist at creating unique content for independent producers. iTunes is inherently close-mouthed about there scripting and features, in fact some of the things we wanted to do, the iTunes technical staff wasn't sure if the coding allowed. But by working hand in hand, and involving them in the process we found ways around these challenges.

My main goal, was to present an item from every facit of the digital medum we could: music, video, photographic, and literary. We did that and then some. By combining these elements, and creating some compelling content I believe we have created a truly unique package for Ellis Marsalis: An Open Letter To Thelonious. You'll be able to see it on January 4, 2011. Only on iTunes.

New Video Trailers for Ellis Marsalis: An Open Letter To Thelonious

In order to celebrate the forth coming release of the new Ellis Marsalis project, "An Open Letter To Thelonious", we've created some video teasers to introduce it. The first "Jazz LP" in the new iTunes "LP" project it, contains (11) core audio tracks; (3) bonus audio tracks; (4) bonus high-definition video tracks; a bonus song etymology from Robin D.G. Kelley's, Simon & Schuster publication Thelonious Monk: The Life and Times of an American Original; visual and spoken liner notes; and (10) bonus photos.

When we started this project we wanted to do something completely unque. We wanted to create an experience that jazz buyers have not been able to have in one package before. Music, videos, photos, bonus audio, bonus literary content--- its all here... in one package.

Comes out in January 2011. Check out the first video trailer... the revolution may not be telivised, but it will be on iTunes.

An Army of One For Jazz

What Jazz Once was, is not what it is now. What Jazz should be is not what it has been. For years we ventured to the conferences, and it seemed the ever present question heralded was " Is jazz Dead?". Year after year it was the same questions, same answers. I'd lsilently sit by and laugh when people would say "Wellpop artists do it so we should too!"

Jazz isno longer "Pop" music, it's a niche. It's great entertainment, but it has been "smarted up" (my alternate theory to something being "dumbed down). So I have set my course on the future of what is to come. i am declaring myself Jazz's on "Army of One." To take the risks, to set forth the ideas, to fulfill the acts that will bring jazz screaming head first into the 21st Century.

Stick around, 2011 is going to be something to see.